Much like the gridiron stars from Indiana University and UCLA who will take the field at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 14, 90-year-old Sun Lakes resident Carolyn Kroeger is working on increasing her strength and preparing for a big game.

The passionate IU alumna and sports fan won’t be on the field, though. She’ll be in the stands with family members, adorned in her cream and crimson school colors, cheering for her beloved Hoosiers and grateful to have the strength and endurance to navigate the turnstiles, tunnels and stairs of the massive football stadium.

Battles with scoliosis and a stroke prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns had Carolyn struggling to maintain her independence.

After a period of declining mobility and dwindling self-assurance, the mother of three embarked on a dedicated regimen of physical therapy and wellness activities tailored to her conditions.

Upon a referral by her family care physician, she wound up under the guidance of trained sarco (muscle) therapists, with whom she engaged in exercises that gradually restored more than 90 percent of her upper body and leg strength in a matter of several months.

Sun Lakes resident Carolyn Kroeger, 90, has overcome battles with scoliosis and a stroke enough to make plans to see her Indiana Hoosiers football …

She improved her balance as well.

“My goal was to stay out of a wheelchair and not have to use a walker,” Kroeger said.

Kroeger moved to Arizona from Indianapolis in 2018 to be closer to her two sons and their families, who live here in the Valley.

After an initial regimen of three appointments per week, she regained enough strength and functionality to reduce her sessions to twice a week, She now works to maintain her strength recovery only one day each week.

Kroeger's strength and mobility passed a test, of sorts,  in April when her sons urged her to attend the NCAA Final Four Men’s basketball tournament at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

“I love college basketball, so we decided to get tickets when Purdue University made it to the Final Four,” she said. “Being able to go up and down the bleachers without any assistance at the Final Four with my family was something I never thought I’d be able to do. It was a dream come true.”

Kroeger’s determination and progress has amazed her family while also inspiring her community of friends. The support of her loved ones played a crucial role in her recovery, providing motivation and encouragement every step of the way.

“Now, my next big excursion is the IU football game against UCLA in September,” Kroeger said. “I’ll jump on a plane to California, meet my daughter who lives there, and head off to the Rose Bowl.”

Her story shows it’s possible to overcome obstacles and reclaim physical function and independence at any age.

“I feel like I’ve gotten my life back,” Kroeger said.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.